Mulled beverages are usually served warm and made from wines, beers or ciders that have been sweetened and spiced.  This afternoon I picked up a gallon of fresh apple cider from my local farmer’s market and decided to mull my own using a variety of dried spices and rum.  I chose to cook all of the alcohol out of the rum to make the cider more flavorful, while keeping it kid-friendly.  But, if you plan on serving your mulled cider to a group of adults, consider adding the rum after you’ve simmered the cider—it makes a great cocktail that is sure to warm you up on a chilly fall evening.

Mulled Apple Cider

1 gallon Apple Cider
4 Cinnamon Sticks
10 Whole Cardamom Pods
4 Star Anise
20 Pink Peppercorns
20 Black Peppercorns
1 tsp. Whole Coriander
10 Whole Allspice
20 Cloves
1 Vanilla Bean – split and seeded
2 Lemons – zested
2 cups Spiced Rum

• Combine all the ingredients, except the rum, and bring to a rolling boil.  Turn off heat and let steep about 20 minutes.

• While the cider is steeping, bring the rum to a boil in a small saucepan.  CAUTION:  Because of its high alcohol content, the rum will ignite.  Continue to let the rum simmer on low heat.  Once the flames have gone out, you know all the alcohol has been cooked off and can be added to the cider.

• Strain liquid through a fine-mesh strainer and serve immediately.  Or let sit out at room temperature until cool, then store in refrigerator until ready to drink.  You can serve this beverage warm or cold.

Filed Under: FUN Kid Food Talk!, Wine & Libations